I'm looking at purchasing one of these scopes for purely visual use. The price with rings and and reflex finder is about the same for all three. I'll be using the scope on an Astro Tech Voyager mount with Oberwork blem legs. I've heard good things about both companies, in particular Stellarvue. I was wondering if owners of these scopes could comment on the pros and cons of each regarding visual use. Thanks in advance.

I'm looking at purchasing one of these scopes for purely visual use. The price with rings and and reflex finder is about the same for all three. I'll be using the scope on an Astro Tech Voyager mount with Oberwork blem legs. I've heard good things about both companies, in particular Stellarvue. I was wondering if owners of these scopes could comment on the pros and cons of each regarding visual use. Thanks in advance.

The AT111 is not quite in the same league as the other two scopes. Tom Trusock said in his review of the AT111, "Overall, I found the performance quite good, rivaling other similar sized doublets in it's price range and perhaps even a bit beyond." The SV105 and AT106 are APO triplets, preliminary reports and astro shots have indicated the SV105 is an excellent scope. Production AT106 scopes are not at this time in the field but should be soon but the expectation is it should be in the same league with SV105. The AT111 seems to fall below them based on what Tom said.

I think Mike said a little while ago that he wasn't sure what to call it, maybe the Pro Line or something, but that this Astro-Tech 106 was the first entry in a new higher-end line of Astro-Tech scopes:

I think their only other FPL-53 triplet so far has been the 90, but I don't think he mentioned that as part of the new "Pro" or whatever line. But, I think that's part of why the 106 is priced a bit higher than the slightly larger 111. I hope I've got the story straight here -- maybe Mike will be able to give more info about it.

I'd give the AT111 some serious consideration, especially since it's being planned as a "visual only" instrument.
The extra aperture is a bonus.
If CCD imaging was in the mix, then an FPL53 triplet (which the SV105 and AT106 are), would have more of an advantage, with better correction in the far blue/violet. But, for eyeballing it, that's kind of a moot point.
My experience with a 110mm ED doublet has left me very satisfied. If the 111mm ED triplet is even better, then you should be a very happy camper owning one.

The 111 has a less than 10% light gain over the 105 and 106. Even side-by-side, this difference would be hardly noticeable, if noticeable at all. I think here the fact that the 105 and 106 are triplets trumps the small amount of extra aperture in the doublet 111.

Moot? for visual? seriously, you don't think most users would be able to tell any difference?

I'm trying to gain info here, I'm a refractor newb and interested in visual only, and I've read some people say they don't see a significant difference, or even prefer the views through a good doublet to a triplet.

And as you note the 111 also has a 10% advantage in light grasp over the 106.

The 111 has a less than 10% light gain over the 105 and 106. Even side-by-side, this difference would be hardly noticeable, if noticeable at all. I think here the fact that the 105 and 106 are triplets trumps the small amount of extra aperture in the doublet 111.

The 111 has a less than 10% light gain over the 105 and 106. Even side-by-side, this difference would be hardly noticeable, if noticeable at all. I think here the fact that the 105 and 106 are triplets trumps the small amount of extra aperture in the doublet 111.

The 111 has a less than 10% light gain over the 105 and 106. Even side-by-side, this difference would be hardly noticeable, if noticeable at all. I think here the fact that the 105 and 106 are triplets trumps the small amount of extra aperture in the doublet 111.

Tom

All three are triplets. I agree Visually 111mm vs 105/06mm not going to notice much light gain. I also would opt for either of the the FPL-53 triplets over the AT111EDT. The Sv105 is selling for $2295 and offers a 2" Feather Touch focuser while the AT106 is selling for $2095 with a 2.7" two speed R&P focuser that looks very nice. Right now the AT111EDT is still priced at $1895 to me it makes sense to spend the $200 to $400 for the FPL-53 scopes. Now if the price drops on the AT111EDT I just may jump